Three Little Birds — ukulele chords
Play Three Little Birds by Bob Marley on ukulele: the chords as tap-to-hear diagrams, the progression you can play and transpose, and the theory behind it — in A major. Free.
The chords
Every chord in Three Little Birds, as a tap-to-hear ukulele shape (standard gCEA). The little numeral is its role in A major.
Hear the progression
Three chords, pure sunshine: A–D–E (I–IV–V), with the chorus leaning A–D–A–E–A. Press play, and drag the Key control to move it to wherever your voice sits.
Why it works on ukulele
The definition of a feel-good three-chord song — just A, D and E, three of the friendliest shapes on the ukulele. The reggae upstroke feels made for the instrument.
The theory
The simplest harmony there is: I–IV–V in A major, the three primary chords that between them harmonise every note of the scale. No minor chords, no tension held for long — which is exactly why it sounds so relentlessly happy.
More ukulele songs
Browse all ukulele chords · ukulele scales
Educational analysis only. We don't reproduce lyrics, melodies, sheet music or recordings — chord progressions, keys and scales are shared facts of music theory. Song and artist names are used for identification and commentary; ThunderFret is not affiliated with or endorsed by any artist.
Switch the tool to ukulele to see these shapes across the neck, hear them, and jam the progression with a band. Free.
Open the interactive toolFrequently asked
What are the ukulele chords for Three Little Birds?
Three Little Birds uses A, D, E, in the key of A major. Three chords, pure sunshine: A–D–E (I–IV–V), with the chorus leaning A–D–A–E–A.
Is Three Little Birds easy to play on ukulele?
The definition of a feel-good three-chord song — just A, D and E, three of the friendliest shapes on the ukulele. The reggae upstroke feels made for the instrument.
What key is Three Little Birds in?
A major. The simplest harmony there is: I–IV–V in A major, the three primary chords that between them harmonise every note of the scale. No minor chords, no tension held for long — which is exactly why it sounds so relentlessly happy.